The changes on morphological anatomic, physiological and biochemical features of Zinnia (Zinnia sp.) speci̇es under salt stress

In this study, which investigated the tolerance to salt stress, the experiments were conducted in two stages. In the first stage (first year) twenty Zinnia cultivars were screened and in the second stage (second year) detailed studies were conducted with selected cultivars which relative sensitive and tolerant. Cultivars which were treated salt stress (0 and 100 mM NaCl) were evaluated in terms of some morphological and physiological characteristics in the first year. As a result, while Zinnia elegans 'Zinnita Scarlet' were selected as relative sensitive, Zinnia marylandica 'Double Zahara Fire Improved' were selected as the relative tolerants. In the second year, different salt concentration (0 [Control], 50, 100, 150, 200 mM NaCl) were applied to both cultivars. Some morphological, anatomical, biochemical and physiological parameters were evaluated to explain salt stress responses of Zinnia cultivars which determined as sensitive (Zi. Scarlet) and tolerant (D. Za. Fire Improved). Consequently ion leakage, proline, chlorophyll, Na+, Cl- content were agreed as important and effective parameters in order to explain the tolerance mechanism of Zinnia in salt stress condition.